Crystal River, Scallop Season

[mrtopknight]

Anyone planning a trip to Crystal River to harvest some scallops this season? I plan on going for the first time and staying at the Best Western with slips.

Any input would be great. I don't even know where to even find the scallops. :huh: Anyone have coordinates to some honey holes?

 

[Morpheus]

I know there are Bay and Sea scallops but what do you get out of a river? River Scallops? I've never gone either but sounds cool.

 

[ylwjacket]

I've gone once, about 20 years ago. We just motored out to the grass flats, in about 6 feet of water, off the river's mouth. You dive down with a net in your hand, rustle the grass a little, and scoop em when they swim away.

I don't know specifically exactly where we were, but that the basic premise of it.

 

[mrtopknight]

I know there are Bay and Sea scallops but what do you get out of a river? River Scallops?quote]

Crystal River is a city located on the mouth of crystal river springs. The river runs out to the Gulf. Once your in the Gulf you start harvesting. Two gallons per person, per day. Put them on ice until they crack open, suck the junk out with a 2hp shop-vac and spoon the scallops out. :smt038

 

[Morpheus]

Ok but does that make them Bay or Sea scallops?

Bay Scallops are small, Sea Scallops are big and My wife prefers Sea Scallops.

 

[ylwjacket]

they are sea scallops. big old ugly things, with mossy looking stuff growing on the shells.

no little sheesy bay scallops up that way.

you don't have to go up there for them either. they are all over the grass flats between clearwater and crystal river. up there, though, it's big-time tourist business.

btw - i stayed at that best western year before last for a softball tournament. i considered taking the boat up, but i was glad that i didn't, because that little harbor was chock full of big nasty grass that woudl have plugged up my strainers.